Toledo marijuana decriminalization issue passes

Issue 1 supporters Lynne Pribe, Kevin Spitler, and Carol Hayes-Grocki react to promising initial reports that Issue 1 is passing in Toledo. Supporters met to view results at The Attic on Adams in Toledo.

A measure to abolish fines and jail sentences for marijuana possession in Toledo by more than a 2-1 margin, according to unofficial results on the Toledo election from the Lucas County Board of Elections tonight.

With all 226 precincts reporting, Issue 1, the “Sensible Marihuana Ordinance,” passed by 11,197 to 4,760. The turnout was 9 percent of registered voters in Toledo.

The ordinance would change Toledo misdemeanor law by abolishing jail terms and penalties for possession of up to 200 grams of marijuana. It is expected to take effect after the vote is certified by the elections board in about three weeks.

The primary election set the stage for runoff races in four of the city’s six council districts on Nov. 3.

In District 1, Democratic incumbent Tyrone Riley had 1,568 votes, to 567 for Democrat Jennifer Scott and 128 for Republican Darryl Fingers.

In District 3, Democrat Peter Ujvagi, a former Toledo councilman and former state representative, had 882 votes to 558 for independent Glen Cook, 238 for Republican Ernest McCarthy, and 213 for Democrat Robert Worthington. They are competing to replace Democratic Councilman Mike Craig who was barred from seeking re-election by city term limits.

In Council District 4, Democrat Yvonne Harper led the field with 1,411 votes to 370 for Democrat Peggy Brown-Morehead and 243 for Republican Robert Longoria.

In Council District 6, Democrat Lindsay Webb had 2,132 votes to 827 for Republican Bill Delaney and 359 for Republican Alex Rivera.

The top two vote-getters in each of the four districts will face off in the general election Nov. 3.

Contact Tom Troy: tomtroy@theblade.com or 419-724-6058 or on Twitter @TomFTroy.